3 ms·

And how is Japanese population growing considering they have none of American problem of "bad urban planning", "bad monetary policy" , "NIMBYism" and so on? Or

• tjpnz 3y ago
  If you live in a place like Tokyo it's expensive and depending on your salary you're not going to get much government assistance. In my case it's equivalent to $60 USD per month, for two kids. People on HN will often decry such things but it's a huge factor in the way people make decisions on starting a family or adding more kids.
• NemoNobody 3y ago
  No, this actually exemplifies the problem. Japan is arguably the most developed country in the world and despite their incredible wealth and societal prosperity - Japan doesn't have a very bright future. The data appears to present progress itself as the enemy of population growth. The more developed an economy, the higher the quality of life the fewer offspring people have. The higher the education level, the fewer kids - more money, less kids to spend it. Part of it is a money issue - not as much as people make it out to be. My best friend had a kid at 23 while working as a server in a restaurant - his college job (he dropped out) and he raised his son just fine, wasn't ideal but he's alive and here. If your not having a kid bc of money and you really want to have one - there will never be enough money, there will always be another big project or promotion to work for, we all could use a bigger house. The joy kids bring to life cannot be measured in financial terms - I wouldn't trade the memories of the moments I've spent with my nephews for all the money.